How to Make a Career Transition Into Web Development

Core points

• If you want to become a web developer, you don’t need to return to university to study. Self-study is completely feasible. Nearly 70% of professional web developers think they are “self-study”.
• It is crucial to first choose the right programming language and be proficient in it, and then learn a specific framework. Choosing a personal project can help you make your choices.
• Building professional connections is the key to successful web development. This can be achieved by attending local developer events and gatherings and participating in online communities.
• Free career can provide valuable experience for novice web developers. Platforms like Craigslist, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour offer paid short-term work that can help you build confidence and professional experience.
• Changing careers to become a web developer requires dedication, perseverance and a lot of practice, but this is an achievable goal for anyone of any background. You can work remotely, and the job market for web developers is strong and growing.

There has been a surge in interest in web development over the past decade, and more and more people are looking to switch careers to the field.

The 2008-09 financial crisis left millions of young adult workers unemployed and had to rethink their entire careers from scratch. In this crisis, web development has become the darling of the job market.

More and more companies, big or small, are turning to the miracle of web development to disrupt or adapt to the new "Web 2.0" environment. These companies know that without the network, their business is destined to be ignored.

The surge in interest in web development has led to millions of young people regarding it as not just a skill to learn, but a career to pursue. But for those who have already attended college and spent their life savings to earn a degree, moving a career to web development seems like a tough proposal.

If you are in this situation, the question is difficult to answer. Do you have to start over and take expensive and long courses to learn these skills? Or can you switch from a traditional career to web development and still be competent until you find a high-paying job?

The answer is, you don't need to go back to college to become a web developer. And, if you are ready for this, you can switch careers to web development.

People from all backgrounds can turn to their careers in web development. Their advice will light the way for those who want to do the same without sacrificing everything.

Select the correct self-study path

Twenty years ago, it seemed like alchemy to say that you can become a web developer by self-taught. In 2020, self-study seems to be the rule rather than the exception.

The 2016 Stack Overflow annual survey found that nearly 70% of respondents considered themselves "self-taught". Whether they are fully self-taught programming or partially self-taught is not covered in the survey. However, it still shows the relevance of self-study for professional web developers.

For those who want to become developers, self-study is more of a pragmatic obligation than a moral obligation. Without a formal degree, self-study is the only way to get the skills you need to start a career in web development.

However, the question should not be focused on whether self-study is a good idea. According to several developers, it’s really important to choose the right language and put all the available energy into mastering it before focusing on a specific framework. It seems, unlike the business proverb, it is better to put all the eggs in one basket than to spread them.

For Lexis Hanson (a person who transformed from a financial professional to a developer), first mastering a programming language (a language based on her needs), then focusing on frameworks and libraries, learning from her to self-study Crucial.

[Mastering a programming language first] forced me to focus on being very comfortable with native JavaScript before delving into the framework, which made the next step much easier.

Putting language above the framework might be a wise decision, but it still doesn't help choosing the right language. A solution that can clarify this problem is to choose a personal project . The specific technical needs required to complete the project will better guide your choices.

A self-taught developer who supports this approach explains:

Beginners should not care about the language they use. What they should care about is whether the language they choose meets their goals, whether they are gaining expertise and depth—and of course, and whether they like to use it.

Personal projects will develop your passion for programming and help you decide which language you should consider to build it. Some common ideas include:

Static website
Basic apps such as to-do list
Automation scripts

If you lack ideas, you can check out the r/DailyProgrammer subreddit, which publishes daily projects with detailed background, challenges and inputs.

Another important aspect to consider before choosing a specific language is to consider your natural solution to your problem. How do you break down the problem? How do you think about their solutions?

In Hanson's case, she wasn't sure whether to choose a language based on object-oriented programming or functional programming. But instead of following the wisdom of the masses and choosing a popular language, she pondered the way she usually solved the problem. Based on this introspection, she chose the programming paradigm that best suits her (just happens to be JavaScript).

Functional programming resonated with me (you may have other preferences), and I challenged myself to solve the problem from a "function first" perspective. In my opinion, this forces me to think more flexibly about programming and how functions and components should be "combined" with each other.

When you learn the basics of a language, consider reading its documentation, especially if you are already using a specific framework. At first, this may seem difficult, but the more you practice and the more you read the documentation, the more it all makes.

Vinicius Brasil recommends using GitHub to find and read production code for the language you are learning. He added: "If you have the confidence to contribute, it's even better."

Don't panic whenever you encounter difficulties. Web development is a friendly skill whose practitioners share solutions to common problems. Stack Overflow is the most popular place for developers to ask questions and share suggestions. When you can't seem to find a solution, remember: "Google is your friend."

One of the many challenges that self-taught developers often face is getting used to rather strange ways of writing code. Many experienced developers will tell you that the way you write your code is as important as the intent of your code. The authenticity of this statement is itself a topic of discussion, and it has its advantages, but for a beginner developer who teaches himself in his spare time and uses his own resources, writing perfect code is not so much a necessity as a necessity Luxury, at least in the beginning.

This is the case with Jeremy Gunter. His "learning first, then cleaning" mentality became the greatest blessing of his faith in the early stages of self-study. His approach is to use pseudo-code to make his code work and then search on Google for how they should be written.

Instead of racking my brains to try to remember the method name, I focus on what I need to do. When I want to add an item to the beginning of an array, I find it easier to search for the phrase "adding an item to the beginning of a JavaScript array" than trying to distinguish between shift(), unshift() and pop() with my own memory.

Any experienced developer may feel gritted at using pseudocode rather than syntax. However, for self-taught people, Gunter's approach is more similar to Mark Zuckerberg's motto of "learning quickly and breaking things" than Tim Peters's "beauty is better than ugliness."

All of this is in its time, Mr. Peters, all of this is in its time.

Build connections

College education is often seen as a mechanical process in which students gain all the knowledge they need to become a professional in their chosen field. In this mentality, anything that does not include the concept of learning and memory technology is secondary.

This simple idea ignores an important advantage that college education developers have over self-taught developers, who must work hard if they want to be on an equal footing with the former. That is the professional connections provided by the university for students. Professional connections are built on a network of tutors, professors, job seekers and classmates. Some of them end up being colleagues, and some act as referrals and letters for job searches, both of which are key elements of any career success.

The importance of underestimating this kind of network to web developers is to underestimate one of the most outstanding advantages that universities bring to students. Therefore, anyone considering turning to a career in web development must prioritize this network while developing skills.

As a self-taught developer, you may not have a professor or job seeker around you. Well, this work should focus on building strong relationships with developers who may help you on your journey.

First of all, you need to consider participating in local development events and gatherings. Whether these meetings are common or language-specific is not important. It’s important that you take the initiative to meet other people and become a member of the community.

Nnena Ndukwe (a college dropout and former tanning consultant) explains the usefulness of attending parties during her self-study:

These conversations with professionals in the field about technology have helped me gain more knowledge about job opportunities, volunteering, and participating in helpful technical or social events. One opportunity always leads to the next opportunity through connections.

To prove her point, Nnenna said she received her first development job through a bootcamp she heard about at a party she attended. It does not matter whether the party produces work directly or indirectly. The point is that they increase the chances of turning to a career in web development.

The most popular website to find local parties is Meetup.com, but you can also use Facebook Events and Eventbrite. Search quickly on any of these sites and you will find dozens of parties in your area.

Just like Google is a friend who learns coding, you can also use it to find activities in your area. You can use a universal search query like "web development" plus your city, or a more specific query like "Python" (or any other language or framework you want) plus your city, and you'll You will get a lot of activities that are close to you.

You can attend as a participant and use the available network to meet people who can help you, or you can speak about your self-study process.

Most participants will be surprised and happy to meet someone who is trying to switch without a degree. You may even meet other people who happen to achieve your career transition goals and can provide you with feedback and support your journey.

Another option to build a network is to participate in online communities. There are dozens of Slack chat rooms for developers that will provide you with a lot of information about the latest news, ideas and people you need to contact. You can even search for developers in your area where you can have coffee with them.

These activities and gatherings are not only useful for meeting colleagues. As Nnenna Ndukwe proves, they are also effective for getting to know potential clients or employers.

Use the freelance economy

On your journey to becoming a web developer, you will start thinking about the idea of ​​finding a job. No amount of learning can prepare you for the responsibility of real work, no matter your educational background. When should you start sending your application?

The easiest answer is that there is never a time when doing this is right or wrong. You can start applying for a job shortly or a few years after you start learning web development. If you are worried that you are not ready to switch, one way you can apply to build confidence and experience is to take advantage of the “freelance economy.”

Websites like Craigslist, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour allow people like you to get paid “gap jobs” – contract work with limited time. These odd jobs can not only help you earn some extra money, but also help you gain work experience (and maybe even referrals and letters of recommendation).

According to Walt Schlender, the uniqueness of gig work is that it is -

Too small, too professional or too experimental to be worth hiring a full-time employee. They hire them for the employers they work for because they need to complete a temporary job, and gig workers can and are willing to do it.

The income potential of using these platforms is known for its low cost – demand is often cost-oriented and quotes are adjusted accordingly, with a large number of users coming from low-wage countries such as Pakistan and the Philippines. It is not wise to think that it is possible to make a living through these platforms, but it can be a great opportunity for those who lack professional experience – especially for those with severe “impostor syndrome.”

Tania Rascia, a self-taught developer and former chef, explained that doing freelancing on Craigslist helped her build her resume and earn some extra money while she was studying. While she was studying, she kept applying for a job until she finally got a full-time web development job. Interestingly, she said:

The thing that helps me the most is writing a blog to record everything I learn, and I recommend that anyone who wants to learn does the same.

Other freelance websites such as Upwork and Freelancer are also good choices for this type of job. A single gig may not be the whole of your career, but over time they will accumulate. Before you realize it, a dozen or more of these gigs on your resume may be as effective as studying in college, especially if you have forked everything in your GitHub account.

More importantly, some of these gigs can be translated into larger jobs. Schlender (who started his web development career by leveraging the freelance economy) explained:

I will charge for 2 hours of gig work (this gig actually took me longer) and I will deliver exactly what the client asked me for. The next day, the client would ask me if I had time to do another project.

Each project I create is another project I can add to my portfolio. Each project also expanded my network. The people I meet will recommend their friends and colleagues to me. Over the years, I ended up working for some very well-known companies.

Another similar (just effective) alternative is to give your skills to nonprofits, local businesses, or your network. If used properly, free work is itself a currency. It may not have monetary value, but it has moral significance. It builds goodwill, and if the person or company that accepts it understands your journey and gets value from it, they will most likely refer you to someone who needs professional developers on the team.

Companies like Catchafire or donate:code can be the perfect leverage to practice your new skills in real projects, thereby gaining experience and building confidence. As long as you see these nonprofit projects as work, rather than the interesting things you do for selfish reasons, you will learn a lot and the participating organizations will benefit greatly. If you like it, you will also accumulate good karma.

Conclusion

Switching to a technical career like web development is undoubtedly a terrible proposal. Despite what colleges can bring to you, a deep passion for the field and a lot of hard work can make up for most of the advantages that educational institutions bring to students.

Learning, practicing and sharing what you have learned constitutes three aspects of success for anyone who teaches any skill. If you accept it, your new web development career will have a great chance of success. Good luck!

---

Are you ready to start this journey? You can do more to prepare. Learning how top developers can pass job interviews, how to prepare for remote job searches and find remote work that works for you, and how to participate in the development community can improve your career prospects.

When you're ready, find the best remote technical jobs on SitePoint Remote.

FAQ on changing careers and engaging in web development

What are the key skills required for a web development career?

Web development is a field that requires combining technical skills and soft skills. When it comes to technical aspects, you need to be proficient in programming languages ​​such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Knowledge of frameworks such as AngularJS, React, and Vue.js is also helpful. Familiarity with backend languages ​​such as Python, Ruby, or PHP and database management is a plus. In terms of soft skills, problem-solving ability, attention to detail, creativity and good communication skills are crucial.

How long does it take to switch to web development?

The time it takes to switch careers to work in web development varies greatly, depending on where you start. If you start from scratch and have no coding experience, it may take 6 months to a year or even longer to focus on learning and practice. However, if you already have some coding knowledge, the conversion may be faster.

Can I switch to web development without a computer science degree?

Yes, you can completely switch to web development without a degree in computer science. Many successful web developers are self-taught or have completed coding bootcamps. The most important factor in this field is your actual coding ability and ability to build a website or web application, not your formal education.

What is the employment market for web developers?

The job market for web developers is strong and growing. As more and more businesses turn to online operations, demand for skilled web developers continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of web developers employment is expected to grow by 13% from 2018 to 2028, much higher than the average for all occupations.

What is the average salary of a web developer?

The average salary for web developers varies greatly, depending on location, experience level and specific skills. However, in May 2019, web developers had a median annual salary of $73,760, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If I am a newbie in web development, how can I build a portfolio?

Building portfolios can be a challenge when you first start learning web development, but it is not impossible. Start by creating small projects that showcase your skills. These projects can be contributions from simple websites, web applications, or even open source projects. Over time, your portfolio continues to grow as you gain more experience and work on more complex projects.

What are the different career paths in web development?

There are several career paths in web development, including front-end developers, back-end developers and full-stack developers. Front-end developers focus on the visual elements and user interface of the website, while back-end developers are responsible for server-side operations. Full-stack developers are able to handle front-end and back-end tasks.

How to understand the latest web development trends?

In this fast-paced field, it is crucial to understand the latest web development trends. You can do this by following relevant blogs, attending web development conferences, participating in online communities and taking online courses.

What are the challenges of changing careers and engaging in web development?

Changing careers in web development can be challenging, especially if you learn coding for the first time. This requires dedication, perseverance and a lot of practice. You may also face the challenges of understanding complex concepts, understanding the latest technologies, and competing in a rapidly evolving job market.

Can I work remotely as a web developer?

Yes, many web developers work remotely. The nature of the job is like this, as long as you have a computer and a reliable internet connection, you can work anywhere. This flexibility is one of many benefits of a web development career.

The above is the detailed content of How to Make a Career Transition Into Web Development. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!